The .NET Framework, also known as dot net or the .NET platform, is a Microsoft software development tool.

It is a standard and ideal platform for the development and management of software, making it easy to analyse application behaviour. It is used by application developers around the world, including our very own team of software development experts at Blacklight Software.

In this blog, we are going to be exploring the dot net history, and giving you all the information you need about the .NET framework - so read on to learn all about the .NET framework, .NET development, and the history of .NET.

 

.NET Development: The Basics

Not everyone is familiar with the .NET framework, but many organisations have reaped the benefits of this useful tool.

There is a range of benefits of .NET - from building CRM systems and bespoke applications/ apps - both of which can be worked on and customised by development experts.

Another benefit of .NET is cross-platform development. The framework can be developed using a range of programming languages and operating systems, making it both a flexible and accessible choice.

The wide variety of languages includes both Microsoft-supported and non-Microsoft-supported languages, each with their own pros, cons, and uses.

.NET software is easy to update and maintain, featuring a modular design. This means fixing and updating applications is a much easier process for software developers than with off-the-shelf software. With a multi-tiered software structure, .NET separates functions for app processing, data, and presentation.

Developed by Microsoft, Microsoft experts use it themselves on their own products and services. The tool was created as a standard for other developers to create software compatible with Microsoft, although it is available as an open-source service.

You may have heard of Net Core - Net Core is a cross-platform successor of the .NET framework. .NET can be used for a plethora of projects - at its core, it is a foundation used to build custom and bespoke software.

 

.NET Development: When Was It Created?

The .NET Framework first came to fruition back in the late 1990s. The Microsoft team began working on a project named Next Generation Windows Services, NGWS for short.

In 2001, the first version of .NET 1.0 was released - and the first version of the .NET Framework was first released in February 2002. This version brought managed code to operating systems including Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME/ Millennium Edition and Windows XP.

Support for the first version release of the framework ended in July 2007, with extended support ceasing in July 2009. However, this doesn’t include Tablet PC editions, as well as Windows XP Media Center.

At Blacklight Software, our team of development experts have used the .NET Framework since the very beginning, enabling us to cement a solid reputation for being .NET experts.

 

The Rise of .NET Development

.NET has gone through many an update since the early 2000s and has an extensive version history. The .NET history is vast, but we’ll simplify it on this page for your convenience.

There have been nine upgrades to the .NET framework, each making the tool more flexible, accessible, secure, and reliable. Generally speaking, newer versions of the framework replace older versions - this is, of course, when the CLR version (common language runtime) is the same.

Although .NET was originally created for Microsoft software only, as it was a Microsoft product, it is now available on a range of platforms. Following the 2016 Core update, software developers can now use .NET on a range of software platforms, including Mac OS X.

This has made .NET much more versatile - and also allows it to be used for development in cloud applications.

ASP.NET falls under the 4.5 version, released in 2012. It provided additional support for HTML5 types, WebSocket protocol, CDN (content distribution network) fallback, JavaScript, and many more. ASP.NET core is a cross-platform and open-source version of ASP.NET.

 

.NET Framework Today

Today, .NET is used to develop software for businesses in all sectors, from small start-up businesses to multinational corporations. Ultimately, custom app development is for everyone.

Microsoft released the latest version of the .NET Framework, 4.8, back in April 2019. This improved version featured various enhancements, including improved security, accessibility, and ultimately, better performance.

.NET 4.8 supported various software applications, including Windows 7, Server 2008, Server 2012, Server 2016 and Server 2019. This is the final version to support Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012, as well as Windows Server 2019.

This was the final version of the .NET Framework - with future updates being part of what will soon become the .NET Core platform NET 5.

 

.NET Framework 4.8.1

Released in August 2022, .NET Framework 4.8.1 featured a range of improvements, especially in terms of accessibility. For example, you can find native ARM64 support, and compliant accessible tooltips (WCAG2.1).

NET Framework 4.8.1 is supported on a range of software platforms; for example, Windows 10, Windows Server 2022, as well as Windows 11.

 

.NET Development at Blacklight Software

At Blacklight Software, we are .NET experts and have been since the very beginning. Our expert touch has quickly led to us establishing a solid reputation for being efficient, reliable and secure.

Specialising in bespoke software development and Microsoft Solutions, we utilise Azure, Office 365, Sharepoint, and Dynamics 365 - as well as, of course, .NET.

Our team of software development professionals move forward with a consultative approach, filling you in on the software development lifecycle.

Regardless of the industry that your business is in, from aerospace to marketing, our team can build the bespoke software you need to progress as a business. We’ve used .NET to deliver endless custom web parts and applications for a range of clients, whether it be cloud applications or on-premise apps.

If you have any questions regarding the process or wish to get the ball rolling on a software development project for your business, we can help - contact us today to discuss further.